Sen. Bam Aquino is seeking to expand eligibility for the government’s monthly social pension program, proposing that senior citizens who currently receive no pension, or whose existing pension does not exceed ₱3,000, be granted a regular ₱1,000 monthly benefit.
The proposal is contained in Senate Bill No. 269, which Aquino filed to address gaps in financial support for elderly Filipinos. Under the measure, qualified senior citizens would receive the ₱1,000 stipend to help cover daily expenses, medical needs, and emergencies.
Aquino said older Filipinos face mounting difficulty generating income as they age. “As we grow older, it becomes more difficult to generate income. Many of our lolos and lolas face barriers to staying employed after the age of 60 due to physical limitations, age-based discrimination, or the lack of opportunities tailored to their skills,” he said.
He argued that a formal pension offers more stability than the informal support many elderly Filipinos currently rely on. “Unlike irregular or informal sources of support, a pension allows recipients to manage their resources with more certainty. This reduces stress, promotes better well-being, and allows older people to make personal choices about how their money is spent,” Aquino added.
According to the senator, the benefit is intended to ease pressure on households already managing their own daily needs, with the pension expected to help cover food, medicine, and transportation costs.
Aquino also framed the measure as a form of recognition for the contributions senior citizens have made to Philippine society. “Our senior citizens have broadly contributed to the development of our nation. It is time for us to return their sacrifices by ensuring that they are cared for in their old age,” he said.
Senate Bill No. 269 remains pending in the Senate.
